The Serpent's Shadow

The Serpent's Shadow is by Rick Riordan. The final installment in The Kane Chronicles. Carter and Sadie Kane must battle Apophis for the final time to save the world, and the ancient Egyptian gods, from the destruction of chaos. The Kanes, their friends, and their Uncle Amos risk everything to save the world. A fulfilling ending to a charming series. Riordan's fans will not be disappointed.

Ratings: 6th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence).

Mockingjay

Mockingjay is by Suzanne Collins. The final installment in the wildly popular Hunger Games series. Katniss has survived the Hunger Games twice and now she must decide whether or not to take up the title of the Mockingjay and lead the rebels in a final attempt to overthrow President Snow and the Capitol. She must also face her own feelings for both Gale and Peeta, and the safety of her family now hidden in District 13. A wild ride of a conclusion that will definitely spark much discussion. It is much more violent than the other two installments.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

A Great & Terrible Beauty

A Great & Terrible Beauty is by Libba Bray. The first book in the Gemma Doyle series. Gemma isn't like other sixteen-year-old English girls. She sees visions of the future and has the ability to move between the realms of existence. After her mother's murder in India, Gemma is placed in a prestigious English girl's finishing school. She must learn to find her own way at the Spence Academy, control her visions, and discover why a mysterious boy has followed her from India to England. A series girls will be sure to enjoy.

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows is by Alan Bradley. The fourth book in the Flavia de Luce series. It's Christmas time at Buckshaw and Flavia is planning to use her chemical expertise to trap Father Christmas as he comes to deliver presents. To help alleviate the family monetary trouble, Flavia's father has allowed a film crew into Buckshaw to film a movie staring the famous actress Phyllis Wyvern. Then Flavia finds Miss Wyvern murdered in the Blue Bedroom - and the fun really begins. Fans of this series will love this installment.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence).

The Sonnets: Poems of Love

The Sonnets: Poems of Love is by William Shakespeare. A beautiful collection of all 154 of Shakespeare's sonnets. A must read for all lovers of poetry and Shakespeare.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10.

Halo

Halo is by Alexandra Adornetto. The first book in a new series about angels. Gabriel, Ivy, and Bethany are angels. They have been sent by God to Venus Cover to promote goodness and fight the forces of evil. Bethany, the youngest angel, falls in love with a mortal boy. Needless to say this causes a problem with her family, and she and Xavier must fight to preserve their relationship. Then the mysterious Jake Thorn arrives and all hell literally breaks loose. Can Bethany, Xavier, and her family save their friends, their school, and their town from the forces of darkness? A charming beginning to the series.

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content).

A Red Herring Without Mustard

A Red Herring Without Mustard is by Alan Bradley. The third book in the marvelous Flavia de Luce series. Flavia allows a gypsy woman to park her caravan on Buckshaw land. When she returns to visit the woman Flavia finds her with her head bashed in; she rushes for the doctor and saves the woman's life - but on her way back to Buckshaw she finds a dead body in a fountain. This sets Flavia on the trail of yet another murderer. She must unravel a tangle of clues and dangerous secrets to solve this one. This is charming mystery series and if you have enjoyed the other two, this one will not disappoint.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).